I'm planning on getting BFG A/T KO2's 35x12.5R18.

I'm trying to figure out what wheels I would like to get and the more I look, I realize I keep leaning more towards the OEM style of wheels. I know a lot like the Black and Steal wheels for off-road, but I prefer the polished aluminum for my purposes. No rocks, lighter weight. So I've kind of been thinking to myself, why should I spend all that money on 5 new wheels which will look similar to the OEM wheels I already have now?

The only thing I could think of is that I know the stock wheels have something like 6.25" of back spacing and to avoid tire rub due to a lift and the larger tires, I will need a wheel with 5in BS. However, I'm thinking that could all be fixed with some wheel spacers on the OEM wheels that I'm already planning on getting, no? Are the new tires too wide for mounting on the OEM wheels? What are the other problems I'm missing?

 

You should be good with the spacers. Had the same on my 07 JK. Looked really nice with the stock wheels.

 

OEM wheels running 35's Toyo M/T and spider Trax 1.75 wheel spacers.



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Thanks!!! I really like those OEM Rubicon wheels and see a lot of take offs on Craigslist that can be had for a pretty reasonable price. I only wish they made that wheel in an 18in. or do they? Why I'm looking for 18's is because I have the Mopar BBK and OEM 17's have had been known to have problems fitting the larger brake calipers of the BBK. Thanks for the pic!!!

 

No problem anytime, I haven't seen Hard Rock wheels come in 18's though. Good luck!

 

The tire specs will list a recommended rim width range. Since the stock rims are narrower than the minimum width, 'some' shops may refuse to mount the tires. Many people are running this combo with no issues, so if you run into this just find another shop.

The other consideration with a wide tire/narrow rim is that you may need to play with the psi more to get a good contact patch. Be sure and chalk test and be prepared to go lower than you anticipate, don't just go with the 40 psi or whatever the shop fills them to.

 

Thanks on the wheel width concern. I just looked up the rim range for the 35 KO2 at tiresize.com. It lists 8.5-11" rim width range. Anyone know the stock wheel widths?

 

7.5" wide

 

Plenty of people run stock wheels. Double check that your shop will mount to a narrower than recommended wheel.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-s...em-here-76203/

 

Thanks for the link. There's plenty of shops around by me from big name tire places, mom&pop shops, the Chaldean connection gas station repair shops working for cash under the table, as well as the South of 8 mile resale tire shops. I'm sure I can find someone to mount them if needed and if that doesn't work, this ether mounting trick is supposed to work really well. Saw this done on a Netflix documentary showing the best/quickest ways to mount a tire on a wheel yourself.

This dude uses way too much ether.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N45KcCsBYmc